In the utility industry, locating and mapping underground utilities using accurate GNSS data has usually required an additional survey operator with a GNSS system to determine the results accurately.
Not only has this required additional equipment, but it has also cost an extra person and process. Not anymore.
In late 2023, Radiodetection released the RD8200SG precision GNSS advanced locator to market. The key to the RD8200SG is the in-built survey-grade GNSS receiver, which receives and supports L1/L2, Galileo, GLONASS, and SBAS channels.
With NTRIP compatibility, the RD8200SG can receive live RTK corrections to provide 1-3cm precision GNSS locating of all underground infrastructure utilities.
“With several RD8200SGs now sold in New Zealand, Accurate has engaged with the new users to learn what results they are attaining from the RD8200SG and what their key strategies are for incorporating this precision tool into their processes,” says Mark Gemmell, director of Accurate Instruments.
“One of NZ’s larger engineering, planning, and survey firms is using the RD8200SG to improve its location quality. “
The Pointman survey software provided with the RD8200SG (used on the paired mobile device) shows the utilities marked precisely in real time on the device’s map. The ability to combine underground and exposed utilities with the locate meta data (location, depth, frequency) and GNSS data simultaneously means that they do not have an additional GNSS survey technician with expensive survey equipment on the job at the same time.
Other firms are utilising the ability to stakeout existing locates with the RD8200SG. Using their existing RTK correction subscription, used with their other survey GNSS equipment, having the same connectivity in the RD8200SG to this has been seamless.
“Previously they have had to do this with an independent GNSS receiver and an advanced precision locator. The ability to now do this to less than 5cm accuracy with just the RD8200SG has significantly streamlined this process,” says Gemmell.
Due to the popularity and wide market usage of Radiodetection’s precision locators (RD8000, 8100, and 8200) throughout New Zealand, Gemmell says new users do not have to learn a new platform, operating system, or device. The RD8200SG uses the exact same platform, meaning new users can get up and running faster and more effectively.
The RD8200SG has all the same utility locating functions, features, and performance as the standard 8200 models.
Sponsored content: For more information email sales@accurate.kiwi or phone 0800 500 380.